Perhaps you are new to coconut oil and are confused on just
how to use it. It definitely is a unique oil with its ability to be either a
solid or a liquid depending on how warm it is. However, because of this
characteristic you can use it as a substitute in almost everything. You can cook and bake with coconut oil! Any recipe
that calls for butter or oil you can use coconut oil instead. You could even
try substituting coconut oil for shortening.

How to Cook with Coconut Oil (aka in a pot or pan)

Measure your coconut oil and add to the pot or pan. I
normally do not bother with melting it first since it will just heat up in the
pan, however if you want an extremely accurate measurement then go ahead and
melt the oil first.

How to Bake with Coconut Oil (aka stuff in the oven)

Replace oils, butter, or shortening at a 1:1 ratio.

If using coconut oil to replace butter: Measure and use
coconut oil in the same form as the butter is called for (softened, cold,
melted).

If using coconut oil to replace oil: Melt oil before you
measure it.

If using coconut oil to replace shortening: Use coconut oil
in room temperature/solid state.

When baking it is always best to have all of your
ingredients at room temperature (eggs, milk, flour) this is especially true
when using coconut oil as ingredients that are cold will cause your coconut oil
(if in liquid form) to cool and thicken quickly.

Always add melted coconut oil to a recipe last. Once again
this is because the oil will thicken and it will be harder to mix all the
ingredients in. Even when you do add the melted coconut oil at the end, it is very likely that your batter will seem thicker than normal. This is okay as it will melt back up when you put it in the oven to cook.

Note: Coconut oil does melt at a lower temperature than butter so in some cases coconut oil may not be the best choice. Just be aware that some baked goods may not turn out the same if you substitute coconut oil for butter. I have yet to have a baked good that didn't turn out when I substituted but I know others have.

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